August 13, 2017
The north end of the Nena Springs Fire continued to expand to the east Saturday reaching the Deschutes River near the Dant area, but did not cross the river. Light rain showers fell overnight and into Sunday morning as a weak cold front moved through. The rains and cooler temperatures have temporarily slowed the progression of the fire. Firefighters are taking advantage of the weather change to assess the recent growth and develop strategies to minimize further spread.
Structure protection resources have made good progress around the communities of Simnasho, Mutton Mountain and Indian Head Canyon prompting some changes in evacuation levels.
Today’s Operations:
With increasing resources available, efforts are being made to further mop up around structures and developed control lines as well as work the eastern edge of the fire. The Warm Springs Hotshots will be positioned on the east side of the Deschutes River to prevent the expected westerly winds from spotting the fire across the river. They will be supported by air resources as needed.
Where safe to do so, firefighters are engaging the eastern edge of the fire and developing containment strategies to address some of the more difficult areas in the Nena Creek drainage and Deschutes River Canyon.
Air tankers and helicopters will continue dropping retardant and water to slow the fire’s growth. Firefighters can then safely construct dozer and hand lines, and use roads for control lines where available. Weather permitting, burnout operations may also be employed to remove grass and brush ahead of the fire’s front.
Evacuations
Some evacuation levels have changed. The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, the Charlie Canyon Subdivision and Wolf Point remain at a Level 1 evacuation notice. This lets them know a fire is in the area and they should be ready to leave if necessary. The Fish Hatchery Grade area remains under a Level 2 evacuation notice. They should be set to evacuate when notified. Evacuation levels of the Schoolie Flat, Simnasho, and S-300 subdivisions have been reduced from Level 3 to a Level 2, however residents only will be allowed in at this time.
A Red Cross shelter is established at the Warm Springs Community Center to support people displaced by the fire.
Road Closures
The S-300 Road and Highway 3 remain closed, except for local residents.
Caution Needed
Heavy fire traffic is on the roads. The public is asked to please drive cautiously when in the area. If possible, please avoid areas where evacuation notices are issued.
SIZE: 40,000 acres
CONTAINMENT: 25%
PERSONNEL: 443
CAUSE: HUMAN
RESOURCES
- 3 HELICOPTERS
- 9 HAND CREWS
- 5 DOZERS
- 32 ENGINES
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